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Masoudi Poorgholam L, Moghadas Tabrizi Y, Latifi S. The Effect of Body Balance on Working Memory, Muscle Spasms, and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2025; 23 (4) :375-388
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2488-en.html

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease of the central nervous system, often associated with cognitive impairment, muscle spasms, and severe fatigue. Previous studies have shown that yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates, when practiced individually, contribute to improving cognitive function, reducing spasticity, and alleviating fatigue in patients with MS. However, limited research has explored the combined effect of these practices on body balance training. Body balance is a newly developed exercise modality composed of yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates elements, thereby offering synergistic benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of body balance training on working memory, muscle spasms, and fatigue in patients with MS.
Methods: A total of 26 female patients with MS aged 25-40 years from Karaj City, Iran, voluntarily participated in the present study and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (13 participants in each). The sample size was determined using a G-Power analysis (power=0.8, α=0.05) targeting medium effect sizes. Before the intervention, all participants completed assessments of working memory (using the N-back task), fatigue severity (using the fatigue severity scale [FSS]), and muscle spasticity (using the MS spasticity scale [MSSS-88]). The experimental group underwent an 8-week body balance training program, consisting of three sessions per week. The training program consisted of combined elements of yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates, specifically structured to improve balance, flexibility, and neuromuscular control.” The control group continued their routine medical care and was contacted weekly to monitor their health status and adherence to prescribed treatments. Statistical analyses were conducted using t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results showed a significant improvement in working memory (P<0.05), reductions in muscle spasticity (P<0.05), and decreased overall fatigue levels (P<0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Discussion: These findings suggest that body balance training may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for alleviating physical symptoms and enhancing cognitive function in patients with MS. Although follow-up assessments were not conducted, this limited the conclusions regarding long-term effects.